A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday, sentenced one Musa Raji Mohammed to four years’ imprisonment for the illegal transportation of 10.7 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.
During the trial, Mohammed pleaded guilty to the charges bordering on illicit drug trafficking pressed against him.
Justice Mashkur Salisu subsequently, in his judgment, declared that “the prosecution had successfully established their case against the defendant, leading to his conviction.”
According to details obtained from the court, Mohammed’s trial commenced on March 13, 2024, following his arraignment by the Federal Government, represented by counsel Olufemi Ijimakin.
The charge against the defendant partly read: “On or about March 1, 2024, he unlawfully trafficked in cannabis along the Gbongan-Ibadan Expressway in Osun State.
“This offense is in violation of Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.”
While the trial lasted, the prosecution called three witnesses and presented 10 exhibits to support its case.
In his judgment, Justice Salisu noted that “the offense could carry a life sentence,” but the court chose to show mercy and “sentence him (Mohammed) to four years’ imprisonment without option of a fine.”
Salisu further said the sentence was given to deter others contemplating similar offenses.
He also directed that the cannabis trafficked be destroyed, while the motorcycle used to transport the drugs be forfeited to the Federal Government.